Olivia Smoliga Leads 3 Sub-Minute Swimmers in 100 Back Prelims

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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University of Georgia standout Olivia Smoliga entered as the fastest American this year in the 100 backstroke with a world’s sixth 59.41 swum earlier this month in Indianapolis. This morning she swam a 59.65 for the top seed at Trials.

Amy Bilquist of Cal posted a 59.67 to launch her to a tie for tenth in the world this year with Hannah Stevens and to enter semifinals as the second seed. Stevens of the University of Missouri went a 59.72 this morning, just slower than her world’s tenth 59.67.

Ali Deloof was under world record pace at the 50 meter mark, and came home in 1:00.09 to take the fourth seed.

Missy Franklin entered with a 59.80, thev13th best in the world this year. Swimming in the second circle seeded heat Franklin posted a 1:00.35 for fifth.

Michigan’s Clara Smiddy earned the sixth seed in 1:00.38.

The first woman ever under a minute, Natalie Coughlin, did not quite break the barrier this morning but posted a 1:00.75 for the seventh seed.

2015 World Championships team member, Kathleen Baker tied for eighth with 16 year old Grace Ariola in 1:00.79.

Lucie Nordmann (1:00.80), Tasija Karosas (1:01.06), Danielle Galyer (1:01.07), Regan Smith (1:01.17), Alex Walsh (1:01.20), Annie Ochitwa (1:01.25), and Taylor Garcia (1:01.32) also earned semifinals swims.

2012 Olympian Rachel Bootsma did not make the semifinals after finishing 18th in 1:01.34.

Swimming with a broken hand, fourth seed Claire Adams ended up 45th (1:02.46) despite her valiant effort.

Photo Courtesy: Omega Timing

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